A BEAUTY REFINED - Tracie Peterson - One Free Book on This Blog, Plus More

Dear Readers, I loved Tracie Peterson’s books when we both wrote for Heartsong, way back at the beginning. Then she became the Heartsong’s acquisition editor for the already published authors. I met her at the first ever American Christian Fiction Writers conference, and loved her and her husband Jim. I’ve attended two of her writers’ retreats here in Texas. And I’ve continued to love her books.

Welcome back, Tracie. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

A Beauty Refined was a story idea that came to me after reading about the Broadwater Hotel and Natatorium in Helena, Montana. The place isn’t there anymore, but it was designed to be this wonderful spa getaway that they hoped would entice the royal heads of Europe. Sadly, no one really thought about how hard it was to get to Helena Montana in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Oh goodness, that’s a really hard question. I wouldn’t want to limit it to six. I know so many great authors Debbie Macomber, Karen Kingsbury, DiAnn Mills, Kimberley and Kayla Woodhouse and so many more. What fun that would be and of course, you would need to be there too, Lena.

Thank you for including me. I’d love to be with you and those authors. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Again, such a hard choice to limit to six. There are some truly amazing historical authors out there like Judith Miller, Cathy Marie Hake, Jen Turano, Elizabeth Camden, Liz Curtis Higgs and Bodie Thone. The list just goes on and on. I’m friends with so many of these great ladies and we always have fun when we get together.

I know what you mean. My friendships with you and so many other authors have enriched my life so much. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

I still have trouble getting people to realize that I have a real job. Writing fiction takes a lot of time and attention to detail—especially historicals. Sometimes people think that just because you work from home—you’re not really working and I often have to just turn off the phone.

Tell us about the featured book.

A Beauty Refined is set in the early 1900’s in Helena, Montana. The heroine is a beautiful, German woman who grew up without her mother. Her father is a harsh man, but generally generous toward the heroine. However, he has a bevy of secrets he’s keeping and as these begin to unravel, the heroine finds her life threatened and only the hero can see her through. The hero is a lapidary who cuts and refines the Yogo sapphires. He has his own secrets and finds giving his heart and trust to be very difficult.

Please give us the first page of the novel.

Helena, Montana, June 1907

"I'm quite certain you will find these rooms to be to your liking, Count Von Bergen," a young bellman declared as he ushered the Von Bergen party into a suite of rooms. "The Broadwater Hotel has only recently been reopened, and we've worked hard to make it an appealing and welcoming retreat."

Phoebe Von Bergen glanced around the large sitting area. The wood floors had been polished to perfection. Colorful carpets, mostly Turkish or Wilton velvet, were places in strategic order to offer beauty and comfort while complementing the dark wood beneath them. God and blue silk velvet draperies framed wood-trimmed windows of beveled glass, and cascaded to brush the floor. The room was decorated with expensive pieces of cherry, mahogany, and walnut furniture, as well as statuettes and other bric-a-brac to enrich the surroundings. The fireplace mantel held several books, which Phoebe promised herself she'd investigate at a later time.

"The door opens to your bedchamber," the young man announced as he opened one of the doors in the room.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.traciepeterson.com

www.Facebook.com/AuthorTraciePeterson

Little does Phoebe know that her father's plans—for the sapphires and his daughter—are not what they seem. 

If you love historical fiction, romance, and adventure, don't miss Tracie Peterson's A Beauty Refined. When Phoebe meets Ian, everything changes. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie—a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Join Tracie in celebrating the release of A Beauty Refined by entering to win her Precious Gems giveaway (details below) and by attending her author chat party on August 9!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of A Beauty Refined
• A sapphire jewelry set

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/9. The winner will be announced at A Beauty Refined Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and fellow fans of historical fiction, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!

Thank you, Tracie, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers are eager to read it.  

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

A Beauty Refined - Christianbook.com
A Beauty Refined (Sapphire Brides) - Amazon.com
A Beauty Refined (Sapphire Brides Book 2) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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